Dan Hurley. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Hurley should hold out for a better situation in the NBA

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jun 9, 2024 4:15 PM ET

Dan Hurley is reportedly a top target in the Los Angeles Lakers coaching search. The back-to-back NCAA champion is currently contracted to the UConn Huskies. He is arguably one of the hottest coaching commodities in the world right now. Hurley has yet to make his decision on whether to join the NBA.

According to former NBA champion Brian Scalabrine, who was speaking on a recent episode of "The Dan Patrick Show," it would be wise for Hurley to avoid the Lakers job.

“It doesn’t seem like he would want that job,” Scalabrine said. “If you’re Danny Hurley, can’t you get any job in the world? The Laker job doesn’t seem like a great job. But it’s L.A., it’s LeBron James. I guess you would go for that. If I was Dan Hurley... [I would] go back to UConn and then let everybody know that you are interested in going to the NBA because there are some really good jobs out there. I think that some presidents, owners, GMs would bend over backwards to get Dan Hurley and he might be able to pick his job."

The Lakers are an enticing prospect. They are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. They have LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the top stars on their roster, and they have a rich heritage of success.

What the Lakers don't have, though, is a reputation for building through the draft and developing talent. The Lakers make big trades, lean into star power and churn through coaches.

If Hurley wants to enter the NBA, he should do so with a team that's willing to build with him. He has earned the right to implement a system and develop a playing and player recruitment style. Tom Thibodeau has been afforded that luxury with the New York Knicks, and it's paying off in a big way. Hurley would be right to have reservations about that opportunity being present in Los Angeles.

There will be no shortage of suitors for Hurley's talents. Therefore, the Lakers must sell him on their project and their willingness to change the franchise's direction. Otherwise, their head-coaching job may not be as enticing as they think.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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